Attitudes towards Accommodations

More students with disabilities are gaining access to graduate education: approximately 25% of the 4,209 students registered with Accessibility Services last year were enrolled in Masters and PhD programs!

However, students are talking to us about their reluctance to use their disability related accommodations at the graduate level or in fourth year when seeking references for graduate school. In reviewing the academic literature, there are similar trends among students at other universities. Perhaps this is an experience you have had as well.

On Saturday February 2, 2019 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Accessibility Services on the St. George campus is hosting a dialogue to explore:

What are the narratives students hear that affect their decision to apply to graduate school, disclose their disability, or use or not use their accommodations?

How does the need for disability related accommodation impact on the student’s capacity to self-authorize as well as other’s perceptions of their abilities, capabilities, and competence?

What might be done to develop more self-authorization and support to navigate this difficult issue?

Event Information

Who: Graduate students, students in their final year of Undergraduate studies, and Faculty members who self-identify as having disabilities.